Be Aware of the *72 Scam

<p>Be Aware of the *72 Scam</p>

The *72 scam is increasingly being used by fraudsters. We’re here to tell you what the scam is and how to respond if you’re faced with it. Follow these tips to help you avoid being a victim and keep your accounts safe.

Understanding the *72 Scam: A Step-by-Step Guide

The *72 scam is a type of phone scam where victims are tricked into forwarding their calls to the fraudster's number. 

Here's how it works:

  1. Initial Contact: You receive a call from someone claiming to be from your bank and saying there's an urgent issue with your account.
  2. Instruction to Forward Calls: To secure your account, the caller instructs you to hang up and dial *72 followed by a 10-digit number they provide.
  3. Your Calls are Forwarded: By dialing *72 and the provided number, you forward all your incoming calls to the fraudster.
  4. Interception of Sensitive Information: The fraudster will receive calls meant for you, including those containing sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and authentication codes.
  5. Misuse of Stolen Information: The fraudster uses the intercepted information to gain unauthorized access to your accounts.

How to respond to the *72 scam:

  • Never dial *72 plus a phone number from an unexpected caller.
  • Be skeptical of any unexpected calls claiming to be from your bank. Don’t give the caller any information or do anything they ask.
  • If a call is suspicious, hang up and call a known number for your bank. For KeyBank, dial 1-800-KEY2YOU® or the Fraud Client Service Center at 1-800-433-0124. Dial 711 for TTY/TRS.
  • If you’ve already dialed *72 and the provided phone number, you can disable call forwarding by entering *73.

Learn more about how we protect client information from fraud and theft at key.com/fraud.

The information and recommendations contained here have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable based on current information and conditions and are subject to change. KeyBank assumes no duty to update any information in the material in the event that such information changes. KeyBank does not represent or warrant its accuracy, reliability, or completeness or accept any liability for any loss or damage (whether direct or indirect) arising out of the use of all or part of this material. This material is provided as general information only; particular situations may require additional information or actions. Nothing in material shall be regarded as an offer, solicitation, recommendation or advice (whether financial, accounting, legal, tax or other) given by KeyBank and/or its officers or employees or other presenters. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.